I work at a Stihl dealer and I gotta say, these are getting pretty popular, we still sell a fair amount of gas powered specially for contractors and landscapers but in general these AP300s batteries are selling HOT. Upfront cost is much higher, yes, you might need to invest in 2-3 batteries for professional work but on the other hand, much less maintenance, no spark plugs, filters, oils, and specially not a $300 short block if you work it hard lol
Well it still have some weight unless you use a small battery but if you are not going in the field with at least the AP300S your cutting time is very short. I have try all batteries from AP200 to AP500S and most times I use the AP500S and weight of this one is about 2Kg.
I've been running the 120 for a few weeks now with the line head, only complaint is the trigger handle could be better quality to reduce the vibration. Needs more rubber😅👍
Hi Josh Nice one looks good I will try to be less negative than some comments would be nice to see them run head to head with the petrol equivalents big fan of my stihl 310 brush cutter Battery is the way forward just run time the down side Thanks again
You are absolutely right, I have the FSA135 over 3 years have used and abused this wonderful machine over manufacturer recommendations never have any problem. The all issue are the batteries, Stihl not have batteries for this machine as well for the MSA300 chainsaw. For a day work out in the forest I with need a truck load of batteries.
Nice couple of machines there. Currently have an old small corded strimmer but looking to upgrade soon. These are probably a bit above my budget and more machine than I really need though. Worth having good machines though as it makes the jobs easier and you’re more likely to enjoy using them. Enjoying the videos 👍🏻
I have the batteries AP200, AP300, AP300S and AP500S. I have the BGA86, GTA26, 161T, MSA220C, MSA300 and the Trimmer FSA 135. Now in regard to batteries I can use any one of those batteries in any one of the machines I have, however I not use the AP500S on the 161T because the chainsaw with be heavier at same time I not use the AP200 on the FSA135 or in the MSA300 because I with have a very short battery time. Now you asking what battery is best to buy, it depends for what machine you talking about. If is for the trimmer 135 for example I with say AP500S or at least AP300S, but if is for the 161T I with say AP200. In regard to chargers don't even think twice and go with charger 500.
You can use the ap500s on any battery equipment, but because you mention on the smaller hedge trimmer, that ap500s might be unbalance on weight for that trimmer. In my case I use the ap500s on the HSA 94r in the backpack and not on the belt system (having both) but more comfortable inside the Stihl Ap backpack. And in the other trimmer, HSA56, that i dont use it often, I use either the AP300s or Ap200 only due to lighter weight.
@@gixxer4646 how many years do they last for? i heard someone said they only last under a year to max like 2,5 years which is SOOO SHORT FOR HOW EXPENSIVE IT IS
@@Sigurd651 if you would see the ap300s how beaten looks 😂 you would wonder how the f is still working. I have it for like 6years or so, i dont even remember when i got it. 2018 i think it was. But ap500s its on another level, they had put new cells inside and have a 10year runtime from Stihl, and its not getting that hot as ap300s with old cells tech inside too. Ap300s after all these years, yesterday i had cut an hedge after 1.5hrs not even one bar on battery drained with the hsa94r on speed 3. (On speed 3 its the same power as HSA82r)
Great video very informative, have you guys ever played with the Oregon mulching brush cutter blades? They have down turn edges and are brilliant for shredding brush and brambles, I personally find then far more effective than flat blades. Would be great to see what you thought of them.
Stick with my FS70c and 240c, i do get the battery machines are decent, i mean the hedge trimmers are a game changer. But I'll stick with my petrol, i can fill it up straight away and get back on the job. If my batteries run out its either sit about for 2 hours waiting for charge or shell out a couple hundred quid on a spare 🤔
I used to think the same until my machinery supplier told me they sell professional contractors battery electric kit and that they're very happy with battery electric. I have since invested in a battery electric mower, hedge trimmer, leaf blower and flood lights and am super impressed with the kit - so light, powerful, easy to use and above all reliable. Mostly I use my kit daily. I wouldn't consider petrol machines now. Pleasantly surprised and impressed.
What is that you clear? In my case I am not a professional landscaper but I have used mine FSA135 for over 3 years with all kind blades mostly in heavy brushes never have any problem, in fact isn't any kind of gas power that can challenge this one in speed and readiness. Try one and you maybe surprised. Sure we not neighbors for if it with be the case I with let you have mine to try. The main problem with this battery machines and I do have about 6 different ones isn't the machines but how long the batteries last in a charge. In my experience I use to say battery technology still light years away for this wonderful machines. The very negative side is without doubts they price the batteries like gold, here in Europe the price of one AP500S battery goes from 450 Euros to 500 Euros.
Hi. Thanks for your great video. I have the 90 model and it lacks power when cutting long grass. Thinking of upgrading to the 200. Would love to see a video comparing these two.
@@P2MediaLA these are Stihl ProComs. Yes you can listen to music, make calls and if you have other members of the team using the same headsets you can communicate with each other. Which is the main reason we use them, so that we can talk to the camara guys etc.
The price of battery equipment, and extra batteries puts me off. That and the fact I'm getting old now, and replacing all my current equipment would cost a bloody fortune!
They are no way comparable to the petrol equivalent. The run time on them is not for long usage, unless you have a ££££'s worth of batteries. They seem to be pretty weak as well with the full power required for brushcutting would just kill the batteries quicker. I dread when petrol brushcutters are no longer for sale, same with the mowers. Thats the future🤷🏼🤦🏼. Good review though👍
I do not fully agree with the comment about domestic users using battery operated Equipment I do know A contractor who does use more Battery Operated Equipment but they use professional grade not cheap and secondly I have a large garden of my own where I use a mixture of petrol and battery operated Equipment witch once again is professional quality I have a battery operated professional Mulch Mower and a Brush cutter that is manufactured by the company that is mentioned in this video
With my kma 135 the battery range is ok with a blade but with nylon having more drag it’s bloody useless. In thick grass, I get 25 minutes max in with an ap500s ffs! I use my fs461cm which is far more powerful and convenient because I’m not constantly changing up batteries. However I’m not totally against battery powered tools the Milwaukee hedge cutters, hatchet saw, secateurs and pole saws are brilliant!
Too pricey and too dicey for me. Batteries break and fail way too quickly for me. Id love to see a muching bladenon that doing some briars and see how long the battery lasts. I really want the battery stuff to feel worth the investment, but i dont belive it is. And I have invested.
It’s more for communication for us as they are the Stihl Procoms. Allows us to talk to the camara guy while using machines. Or listen to the radio if on your own.
As a professional landscaper I need a brush cutter that can cope with everything I’m likely to encounter, so why would I buy a battery machine that can’t cope with the heavy jobs, and pay a fortune for batteries to last all day!
My petrol machine would wipe the floor with those "pro" machines 😂 I get if you're a rich home owner but theres no way they're able to keep up with a Pro level Petrol machine🙈
Hmmm... battery is the way to go till they develop a hydrogen fuelled engine. By then it'll be too late cos battery will be on song by then. In the mean time, I'll stick with me ol' FS400.... brilliant strimmer better than today's Stihl offerings.😅
I 100% agree with you, I have all battery power however for commercial use out in the woods with MSA300 I with need a truck load of batteries for a day work. Is ridiculous.
Well, Stihl sells cheap crap as you can see at 0:35 . The Stihl FSA 120 doesn't have a service bolt at the cutter head. So you are not able to grease the gears. The youtuberin Chickanic has made a video about this problem. Echo and Stihl lost tramatically quality on this point. Pay attention what you are buying.
We are still massive petrol/diesel fans. The main reason you see more battery products is that manufacturers are developing so much new battery gear and as we review new products, this is generally what we see most of 👍🏼
who wants either of these give me petrol any day the first one was hardly cutting any thing only dead bits and 1" of the top of a nettle the second one did the job but a petrol one would of had it cut to the ground not left 10" high and done in half the time and no waiting on battery's to charge. they might last that length of time in light work but not heavy work and as battery's get older run time gets a lot less so pointless they will never take over same as for chain saws they are gutless
It is recommended by STIHL that full face protection is worn while brushcutting, not just glasses 👍🏼
I was thinking why hadn’t you put one on
I work at a Stihl dealer and I gotta say, these are getting pretty popular, we still sell a fair amount of gas powered specially for contractors and landscapers but in general these AP300s batteries are selling HOT. Upfront cost is much higher, yes, you might need to invest in 2-3 batteries for professional work but on the other hand, much less maintenance, no spark plugs, filters, oils, and specially not a $300 short block if you work it hard lol
The AP-500s battery is 380 dollars just for 1 and even a lithium battery doesn't last as long as the block on a pro brush cutter, even with hard use.
Yeah i agree, i just got rid of my noisy motor brushcutter and bought the electric 1kw
the great thing about the electric you hit somthing hard it cancels out and stops prevent breaking shafts
This is very true!
What i love about these machines is the weight. My back is thankfull.
Well it still have some weight unless you use a small battery but if you are not going in the field with at least the AP300S your cutting time is very short. I have try all batteries from AP200 to AP500S and most times I use the AP500S and weight of this one is about 2Kg.
I've been running the 120 for a few weeks now with the line head, only complaint is the trigger handle could be better quality to reduce the vibration. Needs more rubber😅👍
Great to hear your experience Nath 👍🏼Thanks for the feedback
Hi Josh Nice one looks good I will try to be less negative than some comments would be nice to see them run head to head with the petrol equivalents big fan of my stihl 310 brush cutter Battery is the way forward just run time the down side Thanks again
Thanks Darran, yes hopefully we will do a video on this at some point 👍🏼
You are absolutely right, I have the FSA135 over 3 years have used and abused this wonderful machine over manufacturer recommendations never have any problem. The all issue are the batteries, Stihl not have batteries for this machine as well for the MSA300 chainsaw. For a day work out in the forest I with need a truck load of batteries.
In croatia fsa 200 with batery 500 charger pack cost 1500e.
Beter choice is fs 361 461 ,husq 555 in this price
Nice couple of machines there. Currently have an old small corded strimmer but looking to upgrade soon. These are probably a bit above my budget and more machine than I really need though. Worth having good machines though as it makes the jobs easier and you’re more likely to enjoy using them.
Enjoying the videos 👍🏻
Thank you 🤩
PLEASEEE! Do a video on stihl battery and explanation, can the smallest hedge trimmer use a ap 500s? what battery is best to buy first? chargers? etc
I have the batteries AP200, AP300, AP300S and AP500S. I have the BGA86, GTA26, 161T, MSA220C, MSA300 and the Trimmer FSA 135.
Now in regard to batteries I can use any one of those batteries in any one of the machines I have, however I not use the AP500S on the 161T because the chainsaw with be heavier at same time I not use the AP200 on the FSA135 or in the MSA300 because I with have a very short battery time.
Now you asking what battery is best to buy, it depends for what machine you talking about. If is for the trimmer 135 for example I with say AP500S or at least AP300S, but if is for the 161T I with say AP200.
In regard to chargers don't even think twice and go with charger 500.
You can use the ap500s on any battery equipment, but because you mention on the smaller hedge trimmer, that ap500s might be unbalance on weight for that trimmer. In my case I use the ap500s on the HSA 94r in the backpack and not on the belt system (having both) but more comfortable inside the Stihl Ap backpack.
And in the other trimmer, HSA56, that i dont use it often, I use either the AP300s or Ap200 only due to lighter weight.
@@gixxer4646 how many years do they last for? i heard someone said they only last under a year to max like 2,5 years which is SOOO SHORT FOR HOW EXPENSIVE IT IS
@@Sigurd651 if you would see the ap300s how beaten looks 😂 you would wonder how the f is still working. I have it for like 6years or so, i dont even remember when i got it. 2018 i think it was.
But ap500s its on another level, they had put new cells inside and have a 10year runtime from Stihl, and its not getting that hot as ap300s with old cells tech inside too.
Ap300s after all these years, yesterday i had cut an hedge after 1.5hrs not even one bar on battery drained with the hsa94r on speed 3. (On speed 3 its the same power as HSA82r)
@@Sigurd651 I have some batteries over 3 years so far never have a problem.
Always fun and interesting videos. From 🇧🇪
Thank you 🤩
Great video very informative, have you guys ever played with the Oregon mulching brush cutter blades? They have down turn edges and are brilliant for shredding brush and brambles, I personally find then far more effective than flat blades. Would be great to see what you thought of them.
Thanks Edward. Yes they are very effective, but due to this being a sponsored video by Stihl, we were not able to use them.
@@MachineryNation😅, sorry, couldn't help myself.
Have got the petrol fs 461 for bigger jobs and got the fsa 90 r ap battery for small jobs , batteries are not up to it yet for the tougher jobs
These are nice battery machines 👍🏻 but you should test them against the Ego and Husqvarna 😁
Video coming soon 😉
@@MachineryNation Thank you
I have the Stihl MSA300 and I do looking forward to test it against any other brand, just for the matter of comparing regardless witch one may win.
@MachineryNation 👍
Stick with my FS70c and 240c, i do get the battery machines are decent, i mean the hedge trimmers are a game changer.
But I'll stick with my petrol, i can fill it up straight away and get back on the job. If my batteries run out its either sit about for 2 hours waiting for charge or shell out a couple hundred quid on a spare 🤔
I do still believe that battery strimmers and mowers is more aimed at domestic usage and fuel for the grass land companies and contractors
Yep 100% correct
I used to think the same until my machinery supplier told me they sell professional contractors battery electric kit and that they're very happy with battery electric. I have since invested in a battery electric mower, hedge trimmer, leaf blower and flood lights and am super impressed with the kit - so light, powerful, easy to use and above all reliable. Mostly I use my kit daily. I wouldn't consider petrol machines now. Pleasantly surprised and impressed.
I guess it all depends how you work and what jobs you are doing. Granted if you are out brushcutting all day flat out the. Petrol is the way to go 👍🏼
@@MachineryNation Not if you're a contractor for Sain****y's. Battery electric only. ;)
Amazing piece kit for a battery! How would this compare to milwaukee
Time will tell in a future video 👍🏼
Iv the fs340 with the 4 string head i would not change it for battery what i clear its the only machine for it
What is that you clear? In my case I am not a professional landscaper but I have used mine FSA135 for over 3 years with all kind blades mostly in heavy brushes never have any problem, in fact isn't any kind of gas power that can challenge this one in speed and readiness.
Try one and you maybe surprised. Sure we not neighbors for if it with be the case I with let you have mine to try.
The main problem with this battery machines and I do have about 6 different ones isn't the machines but how long the batteries last in a charge. In my experience I use to say battery technology still light years away for this wonderful machines.
The very negative side is without doubts they price the batteries like gold, here in Europe the price of one AP500S battery goes from 450 Euros to 500 Euros.
Hi. Thanks for your great video.
I have the 90 model and it lacks power when cutting long grass.
Thinking of upgrading to the 200.
Would love to see a video comparing these two.
How does it do in the rain? What's the decibel difference?
It rains a lot here,my husky is perfect in the rain,
Stihl's chainsaws have a tendency to leak water into the battery department,thus stops working.
I have run my stihl saws with some rain and never have any problem so far but you maybe right.
Surprisingly good I think just battery doesn’t last long obviously!
I have one about 3 years is excellent never have a problem wish I can say the same about the batteries.
What head phone were you using in this video? Can you connect to your phone and listen to music while you cut?
@@P2MediaLA these are Stihl ProComs. Yes you can listen to music, make calls and if you have other members of the team using the same headsets you can communicate with each other. Which is the main reason we use them, so that we can talk to the camara guys etc.
@@MachineryNation do you know if they're comfortable to wear with sunglasses or glasses in general?
@@P2MediaLA I wear glasses and they are not to bad.
The price of battery equipment, and extra batteries puts me off. That and the fact I'm getting old now, and replacing all my current equipment would cost a bloody fortune!
You right, I have some battery ones, but yes they sale the batteries for the price of gold, it's a shame.
Do you prefer this one or the new EGO brush cutter ?
Ooo I recon they are fairly equal. If you already have one of the battery ranges then go for that one.
helo rich guy can the 200 use shredder blade
is the run time based under load or ..............................
Can you come to Scotland to cut down all the rushes at my parents property please.😊
One of our next videos will be better for that haha. We filmed today 👍🏼
They are no way comparable to the petrol equivalent. The run time on them is not for long usage, unless you have a ££££'s worth of batteries. They seem to be pretty weak as well with the full power required for brushcutting would just kill the batteries quicker. I dread when petrol brushcutters are no longer for sale, same with the mowers. Thats the future🤷🏼🤦🏼.
Good review though👍
Thanks Brian. Appreciate your feedback
I'll stick with my Husqvarna 555 RXT, a 53cc grass cutting machine!
Yeah it’s certainly not as powerful as a 53cc machine.
are these same as weedwackers ?
Get a mulching blade for brambles and reeds. You'll never look back.
I do not fully agree with the comment about domestic users using battery operated Equipment I do know A contractor who does use more Battery Operated Equipment but they use professional grade not cheap and secondly I have a large garden of my own where I use a mixture of petrol and battery operated Equipment witch once again is professional quality I have a battery operated professional Mulch Mower and a Brush cutter that is manufactured by the company that is mentioned in this video
Sorry Stihl.
I have the FSA135, excellent I am not sure if I with trade it for new 200. This because battery time.
Thank you for your feedback 👍🏼
With my kma 135 the battery range is ok with a blade but with nylon having more drag it’s bloody useless. In thick grass, I get 25 minutes max in with an ap500s ffs! I use my fs461cm which is far more powerful and convenient because I’m not constantly changing up batteries. However I’m not totally against battery powered tools the Milwaukee hedge cutters, hatchet saw, secateurs and pole saws are brilliant!
Nice one 👍
Thanks Jason 👍🏼
Too pricey and too dicey for me. Batteries break and fail way too quickly for me. Id love to see a muching bladenon that doing some briars and see how long the battery lasts. I really want the battery stuff to feel worth the investment, but i dont belive it is. And I have invested.
Thanks for your feedback 👍🏼
Why use hearing protection when using a battery machine?
So you can't hear the wife nagging you to do 500 other jobs. 😊😊
It’s more for communication for us as they are the Stihl Procoms. Allows us to talk to the camara guy while using machines. Or listen to the radio if on your own.
As a professional landscaper I need a brush cutter that can cope with everything I’m likely to encounter, so why would I buy a battery machine that can’t cope with the heavy jobs, and pay a fortune for batteries to last all day!
Sorry but the high price is what the problem is and the batteries are great till your some where you can't recharge them
them reeds expensive material for the roofing trade
Could make good bedding to! 😂
Bleddy expensive job for machine+ battery and charger..
Yes.
FSA200, Charger, Battery. = £1117 inc Just one battery alone is £349, That's ridiculous! I'll stick with my 545RX thanks.
My petrol machine would wipe the floor with those "pro" machines 😂
I get if you're a rich home owner but theres no way they're able to keep up with a Pro level Petrol machine🙈
I am willing to bet on that my Electric stuff is beter 😂
Hmmm... battery is the way to go till they develop a hydrogen fuelled engine.
By then it'll be too late cos battery will be on song by then.
In the mean time, I'll stick with me ol' FS400.... brilliant strimmer better than today's Stihl offerings.😅
👍👍👍👍👍
Definitely not for commercial use. I speak from experience. Expensive mistake. It’s the time rather than power.
Which model do you have please?
I 100% agree with you, I have all battery power however for commercial use out in the woods with MSA300 I with need a truck load of batteries for a day work. Is ridiculous.
Well, Stihl sells cheap crap as you can see at 0:35 .
The Stihl FSA 120 doesn't have a service bolt at the cutter head. So you are not able to grease the gears. The youtuberin Chickanic has made a video about this problem. Echo and Stihl lost tramatically quality on this point. Pay attention what you are buying.
You missed a bit 😂😂
I'm a big fan of stihl but fsa models are not for me.
Is it mandated that all UA-cam reviews try and push battery powered equipment over gas. Each has their place.
We are still massive petrol/diesel fans. The main reason you see more battery products is that manufacturers are developing so much new battery gear and as we review new products, this is generally what we see most of 👍🏼
🤔🫣🤭🫢
who wants either of these give me petrol any day the first one was hardly cutting any thing only dead bits and 1" of the top of a nettle the second one did the job but a petrol one would of had it cut to the ground not left 10" high and done in half the time and no waiting on battery's to charge. they might last that length of time in light work but not heavy work and as battery's get older run time gets a lot less so pointless they will never take over same as for chain saws they are gutless
Thanks for your feedback 👍🏼
not for me, i'll stick with my petrol powered machines
That's crap work,nothing professional on what you showing 🙄